Protective case adapted to support a smartphone

ABSTRACT

A protective case for a smartphone is described, which includes a first frame part, and a second frame for retaining the smartphone therein. One frame part has a ball at an end thereof, the other includes a socket adapted to fixedly retain the ball therein. One of the frame parts is pivotable relative to the other via the ball and socket between open and closed states spanning up to 90 degrees, with one of the two frame parts further rotatable 360 degrees about its own longitudinal axis thereof via the ball and socket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/138,561 by the inventor, filed Apr. 26, 2016,pending. The entire contents of the pending application is herebyincorporate by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

The example embodiment in general is directed to a case for supporting asmartphone therein, more particularly to a protective case designed toalter the ergonomics of the smartphone to improve its use as a handheldor tripod-mounted video recording device, and to provide a secondaryfunctionality as a “kickstand” for still photography, video viewing, andother related tasks.

Related Art

A smartphone may be understood as a combination cellphone and handheldcomputer that is often viewed as creating the greatest tech revolutionsince the Internet. A smartphone can essentially do everything apersonal computer can do, and because of its mobility, much more.Although screen size may be a limitation, the increasingly higherresolutions make viewing pleasurable, and voice recognition caneliminate a fair amount of typing.

In general, a smartphone combines the functions of a cellphone withe-mail and Web, music and movie player, camera and camcorder, GPSnavigation, voice dictation for messaging and a voice search for askingquestions about anything. Significantly more personal than a personalcomputer, a smartphone is generally within reach no matter where one is.

Cellular technology has repeatedly shown its ability to developsmartphones to replace a variety of general use sensing and computingdevices, such as still and video cameras and the functions noted above.While this substantially reduces the number of devices a person mustcarry, this “one size fits all” approach often may lead to suboptimalergonomics in particular use cases. In many cases, a user may find hisprimary use case neglected, and seek methods or devices to customize hisexperience.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to aprotective case for a smartphone. The case may include a first framepart, and a second frame part for retaining the smartphone. One of thefirst and second frame parts has a ball at an end thereof, and the otherframe part includes a socket adapted to fixedly retain the ball therein.The case further includes a cap adapted to hold an elastomeric elementin contact against the ball so as to prevent undesired rotation of oneof the frame parts relative to the other.

Another example embodiment is directed to a protective case adapted tosupport a smartphone. The case includes a first frame part, and a secondframe part adapted to retain the smartphone therein. The first framepart includes a recess formed in a side surface at an end thereof andhas a ball integrally formed at the same end thereof, and the other ofthe first and second frame includes a socket formed thereon at one endthereof that is adapted to fixedly retain the ball therein. The socketfurther includes a slot formed therethrough that is adapted to limitrelative motion between the first and second frame parts to two degreesof freedom.

Another example embodiment is directed to a protective case adapted tosupport a smartphone. The case includes a first frame part and a secondframe part adapted to retain the smartphone therein. One of the firstand second frame parts has a ball formed at one end thereof, and theother of the first and second frame parts includes a socket formedthereon at one end thereof that is adapted to fixedly retain the balltherein. One of the first and second frame parts is pivotable about theball and socket relative to the other frame part. The case furtherincludes an elastomeric element and a cap. The cap further includes anextruded, circular cut formed therein that has a depth which forms acentral raised feature around which the elastomeric element fits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference numerals, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in exploded form of a protective case forsupporting a smartphone therein, in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the case shown in FIG. 1 in a closedstate with insert shown in space thereto.

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the case shown in FIG. 1 in a closed statewith elastomeric element and portion of first frame part shown in spacethereto.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second frame part toillustrate constituent components thereof in further detail.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cap of the case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the case to illustrate the strap in moredetail.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the case to show movement from a closed to anopen stats thereof, and shows a handheld configuration for the case.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a static configuration of the case inan open state.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a tripod with the case attached theretoaccording to the example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a rear plan view of a tripod with the case attached theretoaccording to the example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various example embodimentsof the disclosure. However, one skilled in the art will understand thatthe disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures associated with manufacturingtechniques have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the descriptions of the example embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as“comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open, inclusivesense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one example embodiment” or“an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in oneexample embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughoutthis specification are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiment. Further, the particular features, structures orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreexample embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is generally employed in itssense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and appended claims, the terms“correspond,” “corresponds,” and “corresponding” are intended todescribe a ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The useof “correspond” or one of its forms should not be construed to mean theexact shape or size. In the drawings, identical reference numbersidentify similar elements or acts. The size and relative positions ofelements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The example embodiment hereafter is directed to a protective case 100designed to alter the ergonomics of a cellular or wireless smartphone200 in order to improve its use as a handheld or tripod-mounted videorecording device. Additionally, the example case 100 provides secondaryfunctionality as a “kickstand” for still photography, video viewing, andother related tasks. Further, the case 100 provides incidentalprotection to the smartphone 200 against drops and other everydayhazards.

In general, and referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the example protective case100 includes a first frame part 110 serving as a handle, a second framepart 120 designed to hold the smartphone 200 therein, a cap 130, anelastomeric element 140 which provides friction to prevent undesiredrotation in all degrees of freedom, and a threaded insert 150 adapted tointerface to a standard tripod mount. The purpose of the first framepart 110 is as a handle for a user 250, and to connect the smartphone200 to the remaining components of case 100. The first frame part 110includes a frame body 111 on which is integrally formed a pair of cornerwalls 112 at one end and a base wall 113 integrally formed in the framebody 111 at the other end. Each wall 112, 113 includes an overhang orretaining lip 114. The walls 112, 113 with retaining lips 114 areconfigured so as to hold the smartphone 200 in place within the case100.

The first frame part 110 includes a ball 115 attached thereto via anintegrally formed stalk 116. Although merely for purposes of explanationonly the example embodiment describes the ball 115 as being formed onthe first frame part 110, ball 115 may be formed on the second framepart 120 instead. The ball 115 acts to facilitate motion of the firstframe part 110 relative to the second frame part 120. Frame body 111further includes one or more cutouts 117. The cutout 117 is provided soas to permit use of a camera lens and/or lights. In an example, thelocation and presence of the cutout 117 may be determined based on thesmartphone 200 model. Additional cutouts 117 may be formed in the framebody 111 in order to accommodate accessories such as headphones,speakers, charge ports, USB ports, and the like.

Polycarbonate, with the ability to resist breaking and protect whateveris inside it, is one example material usable to construct the smartphone200 case 100 inclusive of some or all of its constituent structuralcomponents (e.g., first frame part 110, second frame part 120, and cap130). Polypropylene, which can easily be injected into molds to formdifferent shapes, is another suitable material suitable due to its easeof manufacture. Another possible material for the case 100 may bepolyurethane, which can be hard or soft, or alternatively a recycledplastic such as recycled PET. Further, the example case 100 may becomposed of a blend or composite of any of the above plastics.

These aforementioned materials are merely exemplary; the case 100 mayfurther be composed of, in the alternative, silicone, a light metalmaterial such as aluminum, carbon fiber, leather/synthetic leather,natural/synthetic rubber, bamboo or other wood types such as cherry andredwood, and composites of one or more of these materials. Some peopleprefer wood cases because they are a more natural material than plasticor silicone.

The purpose of the second frame part 120 is to provide a grippingsurface for the user while the case 100 is manipulated up to and held inits 90 degree position, i.e., with the first frame part 110 opened andin approximately a perpendicular orientation relative to the secondframe part 120. Additionally, the second frame part 120 provides asecondary kickstand functionality. Further, and as will be shown in moredetail hereafter with regard to the example use cases, the second framepart 120 is adapted to have two positions for stowage, one for screenprotection (screen 205 turned inward, facing the inner surface of framebody 110) and another for standard smartphone 200 use within case 100(screen 205 facing away from inner surface of frame body 111).

The second frame part 120 may include a frame body 121 having anintegrally formed or otherwise attached socket 122, the socket 122further having a slot 123 formed therethrough, a pair of shoulders 124(or in another alternative construction, a single shoulder 124 spanningthe width of second frame part 120), and a hole 125 adapted to receivethe threaded insert 150. Although merely for purposes of explanationonly the example embodiment describes the socket 122 as being formed onthe second frame part 120, in a configuration where ball 115 is formedon the first frame part 110, socket 122 would be formed on the firstframe part 110 instead. In an example, hole 125 may accommodate a ¼-20heat-set threaded insert 150. The socket 122 is adapted to hold the ball115 and allow for movement of either frame part 110, 120 relative to theother. The slot 123 formed in socket 122 is designed so as to limit therelative motion between the frame parts 110, 120 of the case 100 to two(2) degrees of freedom. The width of the slot 123 is slightly thinnerthan the stalk 116 which holds the ball 115 in place on frame body 111,requiring a slight deformation of the material to rotate between the 0and 90 degree positions.

Detents 126, as shown best in FIG. 3, are provided at the 0 and 90degree positions so as to hold the respective frame parts 110, 120 ofthe case 100 in these positions. Detents 126 prevent accidental orincomplete rotation of first frame part 110. The shoulders 124 areadapted to hold the smartphone 200 steady and reduce stress on the ball115 and socket 122 when the case 100 is in its perpendicular (90° or“open” state. Further, the shoulders 124 protect the ball 115 and socket122 from damage due to drops of the case 100.

Second frame part 120 additionally includes one or more cutouts 127, apair of slots 128 and a pair of extrusions 129. As previously described,the cutout(s) 127 permit use of a camera and light. Additional cutouts127 may be formed in the frame body 121 in order to accommodateaccessories such as headphones, speakers, and the like. The slots 128are provided for accommodating a carry strap 160, permitting the strap160 to remain fully on the outside of the case 100 so as not tointerfere with the smartphone 200. The extrusions 129 are provided tofacilitate capture of the second frame part 120 within the first framepart 110; namely, extrusions 129 are captured within the corner walls112 of frame body 111 so that the frame body 121 of the second framepart 120 nests flush within frame body 111 of the first frame part 110,with the retaining lips 114 of frame body 111 maintaining case 100closed via a snap fit, frictional interface. Extrusions 129 also preventundesired rotation of the first frame part 110 in the closed position.

The cap 130 is configured so as to hold the ball 115 captive in thesocket 122, to prevent over-rotation, and to hold the elastomericelement 140 against the ball 115. Elastomeric element 140 in an examplemay be embodied as a washer made of hard plastic such as ABS or of arubber/synthetic rubber material. As best shown by FIG. 5, cap 130includes an integrally-formed, crescent-shaped extrusion 131 to preventrotation of the first frame part 110 relative to the second frame part120 beyond the 90 degree maximum. As cap 130 holds the frictionelastomeric element 140 in place, the cap 130 further includes anextruded, circular cut 133 (dotted line) formed therein having a depthwhich forms a central, raised surface 134 around which fits elastomericelement 140. As cut 133 is adapted to receive the elastomeric element140, the depth of the cut 133 adapted to be varied so as to vary thefriction generated by the elastomeric element 140 on the ball 115. Anelongate, protruding tab element 135 integrally formed in cap 130 isadapted to line up with an opposite recess 136 (see FIG. 4) formed inthe side surface end of the frame body 121 of the second frame part 120to ensure correct assembly, thus serving as an interface between the cap130 and second frame part 120.

Accordingly, in the design of case 100, one axis of rotation is held byfriction (created between elastomeric element 140 and ball 111), and theother axis of rotation is held by a mechanism (one of the first orsecond frame parts 110, 120, depending on which is moved, actuated orotherwise rotated relative to the other) as the user manipulates case100 between one of a first (i.e., “open” or perpendicular (0 to a 90°maximum) position, and closes again once it reaches a second (“closed”or parallel(0°) position in which the second frame part 120 is flushaligned within the first frame part 110.

FIGS. 7-10 are provided to describe certain uses case for the exampleembodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, a user 250 is holding the case 100 in anopen state, viewing the screen 205 of the smartphone 200 so as to take apicture or video of an object 275, in this case a cat.

The action of placing case 100 in the open position comprises the user250 inserting their hand between the strap 160 and an outer surface offirst frame part 110. By grasping second frame part 120 with their otherhand, the smartphone 200 within second frame part 120 can be rotatedoutward and away from the first frame part 110 towards a fully open, 90°position. FIG. 7 shows what may be understood as a handheldconfiguration for taking pictures, video and the like.

A static position of the case 100 in the open position on a planarsurface 285 (table) is shown in FIG. 8 (with screen 205 facing inwardtoward the inner surface of first frame part 110). If so configured,remote video and pictures may be taken using the smartphone 200 fromthis static configuration. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a front and rearplan view respectively of a tripod 290 with the case 100 mounted thereonto describe another static configuration for case 100. In FIG. 9 thearrow at 150 indicates where the threaded insert 150 engages a portionof tripod 290.

Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use thepresent invention after understanding the present disclosure. Thepresent invention, in its various embodiments, configurations, andaspects, includes providing devices in the absence of items not depictedand/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, oraspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have beenused in previous devices, e.g., for improving performance, achievingease and\or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of theinvention are grouped together in one or more embodiments,configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspectsof the invention may be combined in alternate embodiments,configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This methodof disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention thatthe claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recitedin each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventiveaspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosedembodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims arehereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

Moreover, though the description of the invention may includedescription of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects andcertain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations,and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may bewithin the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understandingthe present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which includealternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extentpermitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalentstructures to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,interchangeable and/or equivalent structures disclosed herein, andwithout intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

I claim:
 1. A protective case adapted to support a smartphone therein,comprising: a first frame part serving as a handle for a user of thecase, a second frame part designed to fixedly retain the smartphonetherein, one of the first and second frame parts having a ball formed atone end thereof, and the other of the first and second frame partsincluding a socket formed thereon at one end thereof that is adapted tofixedly retain the ball therein, and a cap, the cap including acrescent-shaped extrusion to prevent rotation of one of the first andsecond frame parts relative to the other frame part beyond a 90 degreemaximum angle, and an elastomeric element, the cap adapted to hold theelastomeric element in contact against the ball so as to preventundesired rotation of one of the first and second frame parts relativeto the other frame part.
 2. The case of claim 1, further comprising anelastomeric element.
 3. The case of claim 2, wherein the cap is adaptedto hold the elastomeric element in contact against the ball so as toprevent undesired rotation of one of the frame parts relative to theother.
 4. The case of claim 2, wherein the cap further includes: anextruded, circular cut formed therein and having a depth which forms acentral raised feature to capture the elastomeric element, whereby thedepth of the cut is adapted to be varied so as to vary the frictiongenerated by the elastomeric element on the ball.
 5. The case of claim1, further comprising a threaded insert attachable to the case.
 6. Thecase of claim 4, wherein the insert is adapted to receive a tripod mounttherein.
 7. The case of claim 5, wherein one of the first and secondframe parts further includes a hole formed therein that is adapted toreceive the threaded insert.
 8. The case of claim 1, wherein one of thefirst and second frame parts include a recess formed in a side surfaceat an end thereof, the cap includes an elongate, protruding tab elementadapted to line up with the recess, and one of the first and secondframe parts is pivotable relative to the other via the ball and socketbetween a closed state at 0 degrees towards an open state at 90 degrees.9. The case of claim 1, further comprising a strap attached to an outersurface of one of the first and second frame parts and adapted toreceive a hand of a user therethrough.
 10. The case of claim 1, whereinone of the first and second frame parts further includes: a frame body,a pair of corner walls formed on the frame body in spaced relation atone end thereof, a base wall formed on the frame body at the other end,each wall including a retaining lip, the walls with lips adapted to holdthe smartphone in place within the case.
 11. The case of claim 1,wherein one of the first and second frame parts further includes: aframe body, and one or more shoulders on the frame body in spacedrelation at one end thereof, the one or more shoulders adapted to holdthe smartphone steady while reducing stress on the ball and socket withthe case in its open state.
 12. The case of claim 1, wherein the socketfurther includes a slot formed therethrough that is adapted to limitrelative motion between the first and second frame parts to two degreesof freedom, and one of the first and second frame parts is furtherrotatable 360 degrees about its own longitudinal axis thereof via theball and socket.
 13. The case of claim 12, wherein the slot has a widthsmaller than that of a stalk connecting the ball to one of the first andsecond frame parts, the material of the slot subject to deformation toaccommodate pivoting of one frame part relative to the other between thefully open and closed states.
 14. The case of claim 12, wherein one ofthe first and second frame parts includes a pair of detents formed inspaced, mirror facing relation to one another along the slot in thesocket, the detents adapted to hold the respective frame parts of thecase in the 0 and 90 degree positions.
 15. The case of claim 1, whereineach of the first and second frame parts include one or more cutouts foraccommodating one or more of a camera lens, light, headphones, speakers,charge ports, USB ports, and the like.
 16. A protective case adapted tosupport a smartphone therein, comprising: a first frame part, and asecond frame part adapted to retain the smartphone therein, the firstframe part including a recess formed in a side surface at an end thereofand having a ball formed at the same end thereof, the second frame partincluding a socket formed thereon at one end thereof that is adapted tofixedly retain the ball therein, the socket further including a slotformed therethrough that is adapted to limit relative motion between thefirst and second frame parts to two degrees of freedom.
 17. The case ofclaim 16, further comprising a cap holding an elastomeric element inplace and in contact against the ball to provide friction so as toprevent undesired rotation of one of the first and second frame partsrelative to the other.
 18. The case of claim 17, wherein the cap furtherincludes an elongate, protruding tab element adapted to line up with therecess in the first frame part.
 19. The case of claim 16, wherein theslot has a width smaller than that of a stalk connecting the ball to thefirst frame part, the material of the slot subject to deformation toaccommodate pivoting of one frame part relative to the other between afully open and a fully closed state, and the second frame part furtherincludes a pair of detents formed in spaced, mirror facing relation toone another along the slot formed in the socket, the detents adapted tohold the respective frame parts of the case in a 0 degree or fullyclosed position and a 90 degree or fully open position.
 20. A protectivecase adapted to support a smartphone therein, comprising: a first framepart, a second frame part adapted to retain the smartphone therein, oneof the first and second frame parts having a ball formed at one endthereof, the other frame part including a socket formed thereon at oneend thereof that is adapted to fixedly retain the ball therein, one ofthe first and second frame parts adapted to be pivotable about the balland socket relative to the other frame part, an elastomeric element, anda cap adapted to hold the elastomeric element bearing against the ball,the cap further including an extruded, circular cut formed therein thathas a depth which forms a central raised feature around which theelastomeric element fits.